Does Southwest Allow Dogs? 2024 Policy Update

We can all agree that traveling without our furry companions can be heartbreaking. You constantly find yourself having to worry about what they’re up to, what they’re eating, and their safety.

The good news is, that heartbreak can be avoided if you choose to fly to your destination using a pet-friendly airline. One that doesn’t mind providing some extra space at an affordable cost.

Southwest Airlines is one such airline so yes, they do allow dogs. They understand that our dogs are not just mere animals, but family. In this article, we’ll be focusing on their pet policy, as well as several other things that you might need to take care of to ensure you and your dog enjoy the entire flight experience.

Southwest’s Pet Policy

Southwest Airlines have policies in place that permit dog owners to travel with their four-legged friends, on condition that they are vaccinated and at least 8 weeks old. There’s really no other way around the vaccination policy, as the government is trying to reduce the risk of our pets contracting diseases while abroad.

The vaccination rules are not similar across states, so you have to do your due diligence or reach out to the airline’s management for more information. All we can tell you is that nearly all states expect dog owners to vaccinate their pets against rabies. And that vaccination should be given at least 30 days prior to the traveling date.

If the trip is going to last a month, the vaccination document should be valid during that period.

Space Reservations

Once you’ve boarded your Southwest Airline, you’ll find some space reserved for your furry friend in the cabin, under the passenger seats. But it’s not all that simple, seeing as there are still some rules and regulations to be observed.

For example, most of their flights only permit a total of 6 pet carriers in those cabins. And they’ve defined a pet carrier as any portable cage, crate, or box that can comfortably accommodate a small animal while it’s in transit. That means they’ll only allow 1 pet carrier per passenger—if 6 passengers have booked the flight and requested to travel with their pets.

If the number of passengers wanting to travel with pets is more than the space available, the space available will be reserved on a first-come, first-served basis. And to secure a slot, you’ll have to check your dog in at the Southwest airport ticket counter.

In a nutshell, Southwest Airlines is trying to tell you that you can book a flight well in advance and ask them to reserve some space for your dog, but still miss out should you show up late.

Disruptive Behavior & Large Breeds

If your breed is considered too large to fit into their cabin, you won’t be allowed to board the plane.

Remember to train your dog to remain calm in the carrier during the entire flight. Especially if that’s going to be their first time flying. They have to look relaxed because management won’t hesitate to bar you from boarding if the dog starts to exhibit behavior that can only be described as disruptive.

Uncontrollable barking, constant whining, scratching, biting, lunging, and even growling, are all considered unacceptable behavior.

Minors Traveling with Pets

Minors have to be accompanied by their parents and/or guardians if they wish to travel with their dogs. Since animals are unpredictable at times, they believe adults are better equipped to adapt quickly and take control of a situation before it gets out of hand.

In addition, for safety purposes, no pet owner will be allowed to occupy any passenger seat that’s in an exit row. They are trying to avoid a situation whereby people might be trying to leave the plane quickly due to some emergency, but they can’t because a dog is acting up and blocking the way.

Southwest’s Pet Carrier Prerequisites

The airline will want to know the design of the carrier that you’ll be using before approving it. Ideally, your carrier should be big enough to accommodate two pets, but not too big to fit into the cabin.

The specified measurements are 13.5 inches in width, 8.5 inches in height, and 18.5 inches in length. If the pet is too large to freely roam around inside a carrier with those dimensions, it’s too large to be given the all-clear to board. On top of that, every ticketed passenger is expected to present a well-ventilated carrier.

Traveling With a Trained Service Dog

The Southwest pet policy doesn’t recognize trained service dogs as pets. They’ll only let you board the plane if you can prove to them that your dog is a therapy animal that’s yet to meet the requirements of a service dog, or if you have a completed U.S. Air Transportation Form. Should you be given the green light, you’ll be requested to harness or leash your service dog at all times.

Will your service dog be allocated a seat? Only if it’s larger than a child of around 2 years old. And yes, you’ll have to pay for the seat as well, because you’ve just occupied a spot that could have been given to a different passenger.

Traveling to Puerto Rico or Hawaii with Your Dog

The Puerto Rican authorities will only allow you to deplane your flight if you carried a health certificate with you. Not just any certificate, but one provided by a USDA-approved vet. They also have several other interstate requirements that you’ll have to go through before booking your flight.

In the case of Hawaii, healthy or not, no pets are allowed. The only people allowed to board the Southwest Airline with pets in Hawaii are those traveling between their islands.

Cremated Remains

Southwest Airlines don’t have an issue with passengers bringing their cremated dog remains. They’ll handle them as a carry-on item, but only after they’ve ascertained that the container holding the remains can be screened by TSA.

Wrapping Up

Traveling with a dog or any other type of pet is not the same as traveling alone. It’s going to be stressful, both physically and mentally. Southwest Airlines understands this, and that’s why they always try to make your ride as smooth as possible. For a relatively small fee, you’ll be able to go on a holiday with your pet to your dream destination.

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Featured Image Credit: RyanTaylor, Shutterstock